Drug Take Back Day events planned around Montana and across the nation

This weekend marks a significant stride in public health and safety with the observance of National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. Set for this Saturday, various law enforcement bodies statewide are collaborating with the Drug Enforcement Administration to facilitate this crucial initiative.

The drive is scheduled to take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. throughout various locations in Montana, underscoring the collective effort to safeguard communities from the hazards of unneeded, expired, or potentially harmful prescription medications.

But this event is taking place all across U.S. According to Rockwall News, local residents will be given the opportunity to get rid off their unneeded medication on Saturday too. Similar events are taking place on Saturday across North Texas.

Providing more insights, the U.S. Attorney’s Office District of Montana shared: “The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Montana joins the Drug Enforcement Administration in support of the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, Oct. 28. The biannual event will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at sites across Montana, including a DEA site in Billings. The event is an effort to rid homes of potentially dangerous, expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs.”

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This proactive approach is anchored in addressing the critical concerns surrounding pharmaceutical drugs’ diversion, misuse, and abuse within domestic spaces. With disturbingly high figures tied to prescription drug abuse and corresponding accidental incidents, including poisonings and overdoses, this national event underscores an urgent call to action.

“Cleaning out medicine cabinets of expired or unused prescription drugs for drop off during DEA’s Take Back Day is an easy and effective way to help stop the epidemic of overdose deaths and addictions, especially those involving opioids. I urge all Montanans do their part to keep loved ones, friends and their communities safer,” U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

“Prevention of drug misuse must start at home, which is why for more than a decade DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day has provided our community a safe and easy way to get rid of unnecessary medications,” said DEA Montana Resident Agent in Charge Cesar Avila. “This past Spring we collected more than 2,200 pounds of unneeded medications throughout Montana and, with your help, we hope to collect even more this Saturday.”

This Saturday, residents of Billings have a significant opportunity to contribute to a safer community by participating in the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has designated the Billings Fire Station #5, located at 605 S. 24th Street W., as an official drop-off point for unused or expired prescription drugs.

In a collective stand against drug abuse and accidental poisoning, over 15 local law enforcement agencies, from sheriff’s offices to federal bodies across Montana, have pledged their participation in Take Back Day. Individuals seeking further details about specific collection sites within their vicinity can find comprehensive information on the event’s official webpage: https://takebackday.dea.gov/

Reflecting on the success of the past event held on April 22, 2023, the initiative witnessed an overwhelming response nationwide. A staggering 663,725 pounds (approximately 332 tons) of unnecessary medications were surrendered at 4,955 collection points, managed by 4,497 law enforcement participants. Impressively, this effort has contributed to a cumulative 17.3 million pounds (over 8,650 tons) of drugs collected since the program’s inception, though it’s noted that these results may encompass materials beyond prescription drugs.

Montana’s commitment to this cause was evident last April, with citizens relinquishing 2,255 pounds of medications across 30 designated sites, facilitated by twenty-nine law enforcement bodies. This commitment is reflected in the state’s all-time contribution of 53,445 pounds of unwanted prescription drugs.

While October 28th is earmarked for the DEA’s National Drug Take Back Day, it is important to note that drug disposal is a year-round effort. Citizens can locate any of the 11,000 authorized collection delegates at any time via https://apps2.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/pubdispsearch/spring/main?execution=e1s1 for responsible disposal of these substances.

For anyone seeking more in-depth information about prescription drug disposal or the upcoming Take Back Day, additional resources are accessible at www.DEATakeBack.com. This initiative not only ensures the ecological disposal of pharmaceuticals but also safeguards households and communities from the perils associated with unused medications.